MASIFUNDE’S Academy of Creativity created a theatre piece called Beast in Him during lockdown and it has been announced as the recipient of one of the 2020 Silver Standard Bank Ovation Awards.
About 25 young people from Walmer Township told of the blunt, harsh reality faced by women and young girls, who lose hope and give in to the tragedy of abusive behaviour by their fathers, uncles and other males close to them.
The narrative theatre production is a cry for those who have lost their lives at the hands of their so-called loved ones. South African women and children live in fear of the Beast in Him, not knowing when it will be unleashed, constantly thinking they could be next.
Beast in Him was produced for the virtual National Arts Festival during lockdown, featuring 20 young actors and five vocalists, written and directed by Xabiso Zweni, with music from Sivuyile Scott.
It was recognised for creative excellence and innovation at the festival’s awards ceremony on July 31, when it won the award.
Despite being a recipient of countless awards, this is the first Standard Bank Ovation Award for Bay theatre activist, Zweni.
“Creating during lockdown comes with a whole set of challenges and adaptions that need to be made. We are grateful to the National Arts Festival organisers for providing a platform like this and we are very excited to receive an award for Beast in Him,” Zweni said.
